Barcelona’s Champions League journey this season continues to be a story of patience, adaptation, and a little bit of longing for home. The club confirmed on Friday, September 19, 2025, that its highly anticipated Champions League showdown against Paris Saint-Germain will take place at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, not the iconic Camp Nou. The match is set for October 1, 2025, kicking off at 3:00 p.m. ET, and marks yet another chapter in Barcelona’s ongoing saga of stadium shuffling as their legendary home undergoes a massive facelift.
The decision, while expected by many, still stings for fans eager to see their team return to the spiritual heart of Catalan football. Camp Nou, currently in the throes of a €1.5 billion ($1.76 billion) refurbishment, had initially been slated for a grand reopening as early as November 2024. However, persistent construction delays and bureaucratic hurdles have kept the gates closed, forcing Barcelona to continue their nomadic existence across the city.
“The club continues to work intensively to obtain the necessary administrative permits for the opening of Spotify Camp Nou in the coming months,” Barcelona said in an official statement, echoing the frustration and hope that’s gripped the fanbase for over two seasons. The club also expressed gratitude to its supporters, stating, “FC Barcelona thanks its members and fans for their understanding and support during such a complex and exciting process as the return to the new Spotify Camp Nou.”
The Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, perched atop Montjuïc, has been Barcelona’s home away from home since 2023. With a capacity of 55,000, the stadium is no stranger to hosting big events, but it lacks the history and atmosphere of Camp Nou. Over the past two seasons, more than 16,000 season ticket holders have made the trek up the hill, enduring the concrete bowl’s quirks in exchange for a chance to see their team in action. For the Champions League clash with PSG, these dedicated fans will once again get priority in ticket sales—a small consolation for their loyalty during this period of upheaval.
Barcelona’s domestic fixtures have been equally affected by the ongoing renovations. The team was forced to play its first home La Liga match of the 2025-26 season against Valencia at the Estadi Johan Cruyff, a modest venue outside the city with a capacity of just 6,000. That’s a far cry from the roaring crowds of Camp Nou, and the trend continues this weekend as Barcelona prepares to host Getafe at the same venue on Sunday, September 21. La Liga, understanding the club’s predicament, has allowed these exceptions domestically, but UEFA’s stricter capacity and facility requirements make the Johan Cruyff stadium unsuitable for Champions League nights.
UEFA’s regulations stipulate that all group-stage matches must be played at the same ground, which means that not only the PSG fixture but also upcoming home matches against Olympiacos (October 21), Eintracht Frankfurt (December 9), and FC Copenhagen (January 28, 2026) are currently scheduled for Montjuïc. There is, however, a glimmer of hope—should Camp Nou receive the necessary permits and meet UEFA standards in time, the club could potentially switch venues for later matches. For now, though, Montjuïc remains the fortress where Barcelona will defend their European ambitions.
The Champions League encounter with PSG is especially charged with narrative. Paris Saint-Germain, reigning European champions, are led by former Barcelona coach Luis Enrique. His return to face his old club adds an extra layer of drama to an already high-stakes fixture. Last season, Enrique guided PSG to continental glory, and now he’ll be looking to repeat that feat—albeit on Barcelona’s temporary turf. It’s a storyline that’s sure to captivate fans on both sides, especially given the history and rivalry between the two clubs.
Barcelona’s board remains optimistic about a partial Camp Nou return sooner rather than later. There’s hope that the club can resolve outstanding administrative issues in time to host Real Sociedad on September 28, 2025, with a capped attendance of 27,000. While that figure falls short of UEFA’s group-stage requirements, it would represent a symbolic step toward normalcy for the club and its supporters. The plan, once the stadium reopens, is to gradually increase capacity to between 50,000 and 60,000, eventually reaching the new full capacity of 105,000 when renovations are finally complete.
For now, though, Barcelona’s Champions League campaign will unfold in the shadow of Montjuïc. The club has left the door open for a possible extension of their lease at the Olympic Stadium until February 2026, should further delays arise. UEFA’s flexibility allows for a venue change before the knockout rounds, so if Barcelona progress, there’s still a chance the team could return to Camp Nou for the business end of the competition.
Behind the scenes, preparations for the PSG clash are already underway. The stage from a recent Post Malone concert has been cleared, and a new playing surface is being installed to ensure optimal conditions for the European champions’ visit. The logistical challenges are significant, but Barcelona’s staff and supporters have become adept at rolling with the punches during this extended exile.
The impact of this stadium shuffle isn’t just logistical; it’s deeply emotional. For many fans, Camp Nou isn’t just a stadium—it’s a symbol of identity, pride, and tradition. The wait for a return home has tested patience, but it’s also fostered a sense of unity and resilience within the club. As Barcelona continues to chase silverware on multiple fronts, their ability to adapt and thrive in less-than-ideal circumstances could prove to be a defining storyline of the season.
As October 1 approaches, all eyes will be on Montjuïc. Can Barcelona conjure up the magic and intensity of a true European night, even away from their hallowed home? With the defending champions PSG in town and a former hero on the opposing bench, the stakes couldn’t be higher. One thing’s for sure: the journey back to Camp Nou is far from over, but Barcelona’s passion and determination remain undimmed. The next chapter in this remarkable saga is about to unfold, and fans everywhere will be watching every moment with bated breath.
